💼 Want to Be Self-Employed in Spain?
Spain offers a specific residence permit for foreigners who want to work as freelancers, consultants, or business owners. It’s known as the:
🧾 Cuenta Propia Visa or Self-Employed Visa
At Borderless Lawyers, we help you set up legally, write your business plan, and get approved — whether you’re working remotely or starting a local business.
🧑💻 Who Can Apply for the Self-Employed Visa?
✅ Non-EU citizens who want to:
-
Work as freelancers or consultants
-
Invoice international or Spanish clients
-
Open a shop, restaurant, or small business
-
Work online as a digital entrepreneur (not under DNV)
📝 Self-Employed Visa Requirements (Spain)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Plan | Must be viable, realistic, and economically sound |
| Qualifications | Relevant to your profession or trade |
| Proof of Funds | Show solvency to cover living and business expenses (~€9,000–12,000 minimum) |
| Client Contracts | Letters of intent or service contracts if freelancing |
| Private Health Insurance | Must cover you for 12 months |
| Clean Criminal Record | From the past 5 years in your countries of residence |
| Visa Forms | EX-07 (or EX-03 in some cases) + Modelo 790-052 |
🛠️ What Professions Qualify?
-
Graphic designer, copywriter, translator
-
Marketing consultant, developer, SEO specialist
-
Therapist, yoga instructor, coach
-
Boutique, food truck, online store, real estate agent
-
Language tutor, artist, photographer
🎯 The Spanish government does not define a list — success depends on the strength of your business plan.
🧾 Step-by-Step Application Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Prepare business plan, NIE, health insurance, criminal record |
| 2️⃣ | Apply at the Spanish consulate in your country |
| 3️⃣ | Wait for approval (1–3 months) |
| 4️⃣ | Enter Spain with visa and apply for TIE card |
| 5️⃣ | Register with Hacienda and Seguridad Social as autónomo |
| 6️⃣ | Start working and issuing invoices legally |
✅ We handle all paperwork, registrations, and translations.
📅 Processing Time
-
💻 Consulate approval: 30–90 days
-
🛂 TIE appointment: Within 30 days of entry
-
🧾 Autónomo registration: Usually within 1 week of arrival
📉 Why Applications Are Rejected
-
Weak or unrealistic business plan
-
No proof of clients or income potential
-
Applying with less than €9,000 in savings
-
No private insurance
-
Missing apostille or Spanish translations
➡️ See Article 10 for how to avoid common mistakes.
⚖️ Tax & Legal Obligations
Once approved and registered, you must:
-
Submit quarterly VAT and income tax returns
-
Keep client invoices and expenses organized
-
Pay autónomo social security (~€80–€300/month)
-
File annual IRPF income tax return
✅ Borderless Lawyers partners with bilingual accountants for ongoing compliance.
👨⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps
We:
-
Draft a professional business plan accepted by Spanish consulates
-
Review your client contracts or proof of funds
-
Submit visa applications with power of attorney (where allowed)
-
Register you for NIE, Seguridad Social, and autónomo tax regime
-
Offer ongoing legal and tax support
📞 Ready to Work Legally in Spain?
We’ve helped professionals from 30+ countries start their freelance careers in Spain — and we can do the same for you.